Side Dishes > Holiday Side Dishes > Christmas Sides > Creamed Spinach Recipe

Festive Creamed Spinach with Bacon and Gruyere

Elevate your Christmas dinner with this decadent creamed spinach featuring crispy bacon and nutty Gruyere cheese. A delightful twist on a classic side dish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 lb Fresh Spinach
  • 6 slices Bacon
  • 1/2 cup Gruyere Cheese
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 medium Shallot
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside to cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet; discard the rest, or save for another use.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Add the diced shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Add the Cream and Seasoning

Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Incorporate the Spinach, Bacon and Gruyere

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted and is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the crumbled bacon and grated Gruyere cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and smooth.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the creamed spinach hot as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 250mg

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe contains higher amounts of fat and sodium due to the bacon and cheese. Consider using low-sodium bacon or reducing the amount of cheese to lower the sodium content. Adjust serving sizes accordingly.

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FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

    Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with other cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference.
  • Can I make this vegetarian?

    To make this vegetarian, omit the bacon. You can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the shallots and garlic to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.
  • How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

    Use low to medium heat when making the cream sauce and stir frequently. Avoid boiling the cream sauce, as this can cause it to curdle. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.